…Demands immediate release of 21-year-old Nmesoma held over 80 days at Tiger Base
Our Reporter, Abuja
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has accused the Imo State Police Command of gross human rights violations over the unlawful detention and alleged torture of a 21-year-old trainee nurse, Miss Princess Nmesoma Chukwunyere, who has been held for more than three months without trial.
RULAAC, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, described Nmesoma’s continued detention at the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, popularly known as Tiger Base, as “a chilling reminder of the deepening lawlessness and impunity” within the Nigeria Police Force.
Arrested, Tortured and Transferred to Tiger Base
Nmesoma, a student nurse at Mother of Mercy Hospital and Maternity, Orlu, was arrested on July 15, 2025, while working part-time at Evergreen Pharmacy, Umudiato, Orlu, allegedly in connection with a robbery that occurred on June 22 at her employer’s residence.
Her father, Mr. Gabriel Ekechukwu, said she was initially detained at the Orlu Police Division for three weeks, where she was allegedly tortured and threatened with death if she did not confess to a crime she knew nothing about.
Despite searches of her home revealing no incriminating evidence — and her bank records showing only school-related transactions — she was later transferred to Tiger Base, a unit notorious for torture and extortion.
Following the transfer, other suspects who had previously exonerated her reportedly reversed their statements, allegedly under duress. RULAAC said this development “raises strong suspicions of coercion and manipulation of evidence.”
Detained Over 80 Days Without Charge
More than 80 days after her arrest, Nmesoma remains in custody without charge or court appearance.
RULAAC said it had written to the Imo State Commissioner of Police on September 18, 2025, and again through her father’s lawyer on October 2, demanding her release or arraignment, but the letters were ignored.
“This is not only unlawful; it is unconscionable,” RULAAC stated, citing Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty and limits detention without charge to 24 or 48 hours.
Tiger Base and the Culture of Impunity
RULAAC renewed calls for the disbandment or reform of the Tiger Base, which it described as “a dark spot on Nigeria’s policing system.”
“Tiger Base has become synonymous with torture, illegal detention, and extortion,” Nwanguma said. “It continues to operate with reckless impunity despite years of outcry and investigations.”
The group urged the police authorities to investigate IPO Osinachi of Orlu Division and Inspector Chidi Igwe of Tiger Base for their alleged involvement in Nmesoma’s unlawful detention and torture.
It also called for a probe into the alleged role of Mr. Declan, the pharmacy owner, to ensure that “private interests are not allowed to pervert justice.”
Authorities’ Silence Alarming
RULAAC condemned the silence of the Imo State Police Command and the Police Headquarters, describing it as complicity.
“It sends a dangerous message that officers can ignore lawful petitions, defy constitutional obligations, and continue to hold citizens without consequence,” the group warned.
A Test of Police Reform and Leadership
Calling the case a “national test of leadership and conscience”, RULAAC urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to act swiftly.
“No reform agenda can succeed when torture and impunity remain entrenched in police operations,” the organisation said.
Justice for Nmesoma Is Justice for All
RULAAC concluded that Nmesoma’s ordeal typifies the plight of countless Nigerians subjected to unlawful police detention.
“Her case represents a system that persecutes rather than protects,” Nwanguma said. “Justice delayed is justice denied — but justice ignored is justice buried. The time to act is now.”
